In the short story, “The Mystery of the Thatch” (taken from Coals of Fire by Elizabeth Hershberger), Mennonite preacher Peter awoke one night to the realization that men were on the roof of his house, removing the thatch. He said to his wife, “workmen have come to us; you had better prepare a meal.” Not long after he went outside and called up to the men: “You have worked long and hard. Surely you are hungry. Come in and join us for a meal.”

The men filed into the house, sat at the table, and somehow endured Peter’s blessing of them and the meal as he prayed. They filled their plates, but could not eat. Instead, they went back outside, replaced the thatch on the roof, and quietly left.

This 18th-century story out of Switzerland reminds us that kindness can yield unexpected results. Instead of calling the authorities or shouting threats, Peter and his wife were peacemakers, inviting the young men in for a midnight meal.

Romans 12:20 records, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” According to the Wycliffe Bible Commentary, this concept of heaping coals of fire on your enemy’s head refers to his blushing with shame or remorse at such unexpected kindness.

Two practical takeaways from today’s post: 1) Peacemaking is proactive and intentional—we don’t sit idly by letting people run over us; rather, we return good for evil, and 2) Peacemakers do not compile lists of grievances. Conflicts often begin with mental note-taking, then scheming, and finally, revenge. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 reminds us that, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”